Everett G. Leland

Everett G. Leland, Raymond, NH

Everett Leland passed away peacefully surrounded by family early in the morning on September 3rd. Everett was born October 18, 1919 in Lowell MA. Son of Melvin and Grace (Emery) Leland. He attended Woburn High. He was proud of his service to his country, having volunteered in the US Army Air Corp in 1940 and served in the 2nd Air Service Squadron of the 5th Air Force, their motto was "We went all the way, 1942-1946 Australia, New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, Philippines, Okinawa, Japan."

Everett was a pioneer in parachuting. Joining the 1st civilian parachute club of the US, he spent his days off from Selfridge Field making jumps at Burns Airport in Detroit. He loved doing shows around the country before the war. His last jump was at Lebanon, ME in 1999, in preparation for his 80th birthday.

Everett and his wife Gwen developed and operated for 20 years the River Brook Campground in Lebanon, ME and served as Executive Director of the first Campground Owners Association. MECCA, representing 152 private campground owners of Maine.

Everett was an adventurer and anyone who heard his stories were amused. He loved to travel, making many trips to Australia, South Sea Islands, Europe and a 15,000 mile trip through the United States, including Alaska in 1999.

Everett served as Boy Scout Commissioner for the Fellsland Council in Massachusetts.

Everett was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Gwen (Roffey), and by their sons, Kevin Leland and William Leland.

Everett lost two brothers, Warren and "Freddie" who we're killed in action, WWII. Other deceased brothers include, Douglas, Harold, Arthur, Chester, Marshall, Vernon, Kenneth and his sister Bernice.

Everett leaves one son, Robert and his wife Carol of Barrington, two daughters, Susan Butler of Londonderry and Jennifer and her husband Dan O'Connell of Wakefield, MA. He leaves nine grandchildren, Barbara Kelly, Stacie Kirwin, Robert Leland Jr, William Harper, Amy Davis, Angelique Gagne, Casey Leland, Rory O'Connell and Mary O'Connell and ten great grandchildren, Erin Mullaney, Nathaneal Kelly, Emma Kelly, Joshua Harper, Mollie Kirwin, Samuel Kirwin, Isabella Gagne, Aryanna Davis, Alessandra Davis and Cayden Leland along with many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Ruth and her husband Dave Layton of New Salem, MA, and brother Robert of Groton. He also leaves his companion of 17 years, Shirley White of Center Harbor, NH and her family.

Everett was a life member of the American Legion Post of Epping, Post #1 DAV, Manchester and Post 4459 VFW of Raymond. He was most proud to be chosen in June 2011 for the Honor Flight to Washington.

A mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Joseph's Church in Epping, NH on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 11:00AM with burial at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Epping, NH immediately following. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception lunch at St. Joseph's Church after the cemetery services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northeast Credit Union PO Box 1240 Portsmouth, NH 03802 in care of Carol Leland for Everett's grand-daughter, Amy Leland Davis, who was recently diagnosed with ALS.